After major controversy surrounding Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act supported by Governor Mike Pence, Indiana Republican legislative leaders stated on Thursday that lawmakers have agreed to amend the law, which will go into effect on July 1st, 2015.
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma told reporters, “What was intended as a message of inclusion was interpreted as a message of exclusion, especially for the LGBT community.” He continued, “Nothing could have been further from the truth, but it was clear the perception had to be addressed.”
The new proposal will grant protections specifically for LGBT customers, employees and tenants.
The agreement to amend the act happened at the right time; after upset due to Memories Pizza in Walkerton, Indiana. The small local business became the center of scrutiny after the shops proprietor, Crystal O’Connor told ABC 57 news, “If a gay couple came in and wanted us to provide pizzas for their wedding, we would have to say no.”
The business began to receive numerous threats and protestors, forcing them to close their doors.
